St. Vincent's Santa Barbara

10/22/2026

Drop, Cover, and Hold On! 🦺

Our Early Childhood Education Center littles participated in the The Great California Shake Out—joining millions of people worldwide in practicing earthquake safety. Watching our little ones take it so seriously? Truly adorable. Santa Barbara is earthquake country, and starting safety habits early matters.

We still have a few spaces open for new children this fall—we’d love to welcome your family! Find out more at https://www.stvincents-sb.org/programs/early-childhood-education/

10/21/2026

This is making such a meaningful impact — a reminder that real change is often found in the journey, one step at a time.

https://ow.ly/lyrH50ZZK1C

10/20/2026

We’re celebrating the opening of Patterson Point, a supportive housing community in Goleta providing stable housing and supportive services to individuals who previously experienced homelessness.

This is especially meaningful for our Fr. Virgil Cordano Center ministry. The dedication of our case managers helps members become document-ready and prepared for housing opportunities like this. Now, two FVCC members can call Patterson Point home.

Congratulations to John Polanskey and everyone involved, and best wishes to all residents in their new homes.

https://www.noozhawk.com/patterson-point-supportive-housing-complex-opens-in-goleta/

The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara has opened its latest supportive housing apartment complex in the Goleta Valley.  Patterson

10/19/2026

"In a city known for its beaches and beauty, a nun is changing lives one haircut at a time."

That's how News Channel 3-12 shared a segment on Sr. Oanh Tran and our Father Virgil Cordano Center.

What makes this coverage meaningful isn't just the visibility—it's the truth it captures. Sr. Oanh serves nearly 30 people weekly, and as she explains: "They are children of God. They don't have anything, but a haircut gives them confidence."

One member put it this way: "This is the best thing in Santa Barbara for homeless people... gives us someplace to be during the day, because a lot of places don't allow you to be there."

This is what whole-person care looks like: a shampoo and haircut that helps someone "feel better and more confident. And happier." A moment where someone is seen, valued, and ready for a fresh start.

As reporter Patricia Martellotti concluded: "One haircut, one human restored. Proof that grace still cuts through."

April 1, 2026 KEYT: Local Nun Restores Dignity One Haircut at a Time A Simple Act, A Powerful Impact At the Father Virgil Cordano Center, something as simple as a haircut is changing lives. In a recent feature by KEYT News Channel 3-12, Sister Oanh Tran of St. Vincent’s Santa Barbara shares how he...

10/16/2026

We’re grateful to Santa Barbara City College for bringing its first resource fair to St. Vincent’s and helping make continuing education more accessible to our community.

A very special thank you to Isis Castañeda, Founder and Director at Creating Connections whose leadership, dedication, and partnership were instrumental in bringing this opportunity to our residents. We are incredibly grateful for her work in helping make this meaningful program possible.

The event connected residents with resources and opportunities to continue their education, including GED classes, certificate programs, and associate degree programs. We also want to thank Angelica Contreras, SBCC Senior Director of Admissions and Records and Dual Enrollment, for helping residents take those important first steps.

Several residents signed up for GED classes during the event, with many others asking about certificate and associate degree programs. Four mothers from our Family Strengthening Program connected with additional SBCC programs. Two will begin classes in the spring, and two who are already enrolled this semester are signing up for extra support.

https://www.independent.com/2026/10/02/santa-barbara-city-college-visits-st-vincents-campus-to-make-education-attainable/

We are excited for this to be the beginning of an ongoing relationship with SBCC and Creating Connections, and we look forward to creating even more opportunities for the St. Vincent’s community.

10/15/2026

Education has always been a cornerstone of the Daughters of Charity's mission. In 1858, they founded the first English-language school in Santa Barbara. Our commitment to quality education and enlightenment has remained unwavering for over 160 years. Today, St. Vincent's Children's Center continues this legacy by providing exceptional early childhood education.

This photo from 1952 shows a Daughter of Charity preparing for a lesson at St. Vincent's School, a testament to our enduring dedication to education.

10/14/2026

Last weekend we held our annual picnic for the volunteers of the Fr. Virgil Cordano Center. Shoreline Park, warm sun, the ocean right there.

For one afternoon the roles reversed. The Daughters of Charity, St. Vincent's associates, and a few spouses did the serving, and the people who serve all year sat down and enjoyed the afternoon.

They have earned it. The Center could not open its doors without them.

The picnic happens once a year, honoring what happens every weekday. That is how St. Vincent's has always understood charity: not a grand gesture on the calendar once a year, but small acts by many people, repeated, for neighbors who would otherwise be left behind.

To every volunteer at the Cordano Center, thank you.
https://youtu.be/-w6W1a6VdRU?si=aVnMNJAc_3-6-vEm

10/13/2026

Congratulations to the newly elected Officers of the Ladies of Charity of Santa Barbara! 🎉

President: Pam Langhorn
Vice President: Jeanine Wright
Secretary: Margaret Waters
Treasurer: Madeline Petrini

We were honored to celebrate with them at their Fall meeting, where Fr. John Hardin offered a special Mass — a beautiful reminder of the faith that anchors this remarkable organization.

Did you know? The Ladies of Charity have been serving alongside the Daughters of Charity for 400 years. Founded in 17th-century France by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, they have mobilized lay women to serve the poor with dignity and compassion — wherever the need is greatest.

In Santa Barbara, the Ladies of Charity have been woven into our community for more than 50 years. We are grateful for their partnership, their dedication, and their leadership. Congratulations, ladies! 💙

10/10/2026

Meet Jeanine! ✂️

A Santa Barbara cosmetologist for 43 years, Jeanine volunteers at the Fr. Virgil Cordano Center on the first Wednesday of every month, offering free haircuts to guests navigating homelessness.

First introduced to the Center through the Ladies of Charity, what started as a single visit has turned into a beautiful partnership—and an ongoing source of support from her generous salon clients.

📖 Read the full St. Vincent’s story: https://www.stvincents-sb.org/a-different-kind-of-appointment/

Once a month, longtime Santa Barbara cosmetologist Jeanine offers free haircuts to guests at the Fr. Virgil Cordano Center. Read how a Ladies of Charity connection turned into a lasting volunteer commitment.

10/10/2026

Eighteen holes is a long walk. Thank you to Procovry for bringing their Body Wellness & Fitness Recovery services to our 25th Annual Charity Golf Classic, and for helping our players feel better than when they started.

We’re grateful to partners who bring something unexpected to the day. Thank you, Procovry.